Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan mosque in Abu Dhabi has been selected as one of the most impressive contemporary mosques in the world and featured in “Mosques: Splendors of Islam”, the authoritative book that celebrates iconic mosque architecture and Islamic design and heritage. The book is a culmination of author, Leyla Uluhanli’s continuing efforts to promote and support unique Islamic culture around the world and will also be officially launched in Dubai in November 2018 to commemorate the “Year of Zayed” and 100 years since the birth of the founding father of the UAE – and the namesake of one of the most pivotal mosques of the 21st century: the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan mosque.
Originally from Azerbaijan and deeply influenced by her Islamic roots “Mosques: Splendors of Islam” was the result of a deep passion and fascination with Islamic culture that led to many years of research on Islamic architecture by Leyla Uluhanli. The book is supported by prominent scholars in Islamic culture, history and architecture and features stunning original and archive photography of 53 global mosques, accompanied by narratives on every aspect of the Mosques story & architecture, including the design, calligraphic inscriptions, history and both religious and secular significance.
“The ‘Splendors of Islam’ book is for me, first and foremost, an honorable opportunity to share my fascination with intricate Islamic architecture with the world. Having been raised in Azerbaijan, I have never fully let go of my origins. I am deeply honored to know that the book, the result of 8 years of complicated visual and scholastic studies, has proved to be a valuable tribute to the Islamic culture. And the opportunity to now contribute a few copies to the libraries and cultural centers in the very heart of Islamic world further validates my efforts”, said Leyla Uluhanli.
As a part of her charitable efforts to promote Islamic culture and heritage, Leyla Uluhanli will donate a substantial amount of books to the public collections at Juma Al Majid Center for Culture & Heritage, Sheikh Mohammed Center for Culture & Understanding and other cultural centers and libraries across the UAE. “Mosques: Splendors of Islam”, published by Rizzoli New York in November 2017 is already in its second run, and is available around the world across all leading bookstores and major on-line resources. The French edition is to be on shelves in September 2018 and will be published by Citadelles & Mazenod.
